Ellen Campbell-Grizzle
WE ARE focusing this month on our children. It is a good time to emphasise the plight and needs of children of parents addicted to drugs. Growing up in a chemically-dependent family can be a nightmare for a child. Broken promises, violence, mixed messages and threats of abuse are some of the problems that they endure. Many of these children do not know what is normal and end up feeling isolated. Some experience stigma and shame.
National data show that, between 1999-2003, there were 2,852 adults treated for various addictions in residential programmes across Jamaica. The 2001 national household survey commissioned by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) found that there are 187,100 persons with substance abuse problems. Many of these persons have children.
CONDITIONS AT HOME
The situation within the home of persons addicted to drugs can be chaotic. Children living in these settings often think that they are the only ones in their school or community with such family problems. Many get the idea that they are to blame but feel hopeless and powerless to correct the situation. Often, this negatively affects the child's ability to make decisions or solve problem.
These children may understand very little about the disease of addiction. However, in these situations, they need to be encouraged to believe that their parents' illness is not their fault. They can be taught in an appropriate way about relapse, denial and personality changes and the effect of addiction on the mind. Information on the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on families can give them a new perspective on what is happening at home. Through supportive methods, they will come to understand that the family problems are not their fault and that they are not alone.
Children of addicted parents need 'safe persons' to turn to for help in building a sense of belonging, reduce isolation and teaching them how to remain safe and resilient. Here is how you can assist:
Help them to understand that it is all right to ask for help, and that doing so is a sign of strength not weakness.
Explain that using drugs is an unhealthy way for people to manage uncomfortable feelings. These drugs make uncomfortable feelings go away but only for a short time.
Guide children to realise that they have options in handling life problems and taking good care of themselves.
Assist these children to identify, own and express their feelings in healthy ways.
Help children to understand that people with addiction are ill and need help to recover.
Most of the children of parents addicted to drugs manage to survive. However, many lack positive role models for healthy living. They grow up too fast as a result assuming, too early, adult problems, worries and concerns. As a 'safe person', you can help them to understand that that they cannot fix their parents' problem but must work on their own self-care. Encourage them to talk, trust and feel.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, Information and Research, National Council on Drug Abuse. Email yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
